Rock Climbing Helmet

Helmets are built to protect the climber from falling rock, ice, or from impact during a fall. Rock climbing helmets should comply with standards and be approved by one of the following. Look for certification of compliance with one of these standards:

• Union Internationale des Associations d' Alpinisme (UIAA)
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
• Community European (CE)

Materials: The outer shell of rock climbing helmets are commonly made from these types of materials: Polycarbonate shell, hard plastic, polyethylene, polycarbonate or fiberglass. The inner shell is made for fitting comfort and distributing impact force. The inner shell is usually a foam liner or harness system.

• Plastic. climbing helmets are lightweight and strong and make good choices for caving, rock climbing and rappelling. This type of helmet is lighter than the fiberglass or polycarbonate composite helmets.
• Fiberglass and polycarbonate composite. Climbing helmets absorb the shock energy by breaking. The outer shell of the composite helmet absorbs the energy. Plastic and nylon helmets transfer the shock to the inner cradle harness. This type of helmet has a useful life about twice as long as the plastic helmet. Helmets made from fiberglass or polycarbonate are good choices for ice climbing.

Adjustability: Helmets for climbing should fit tight but not uncomfortably tight. There should be no gap between the head and inner suspension. The padding should press firmly and uniformly in pressure all the way around the head. The chin strap should be adjustable and circumference harness system.

Ventilation: The holes for ventilation on climbing helmets are small to limit rocks and dirt from getting inside. Many helmets provide option for plugging top side vents during cold weather. Some vent on the side using small holes or side ports.

Weight: The weight of a climbing helmet varies from about 10 oz / 280 grams, to 17 oz / 480 grams. Choose your helmet based on the importance of weight, considering the tradeoffs.

Recommended use: Many indoor climbers don't wear helmets--most gyms / climbing walls do not require their use. However, when climbing outdoors on rock or ice, rappelling, or cave climbing, it's pretty important to wear one. Protective head gear used in other sports, or construction hard hats should not be substituted. Climbing helmets are designed to excel in different climbing environments: Rock, big wall, face, mountaineering, ice, and cave climbing are different environments. Choose a helmet with the features required the particular sport. Each manufacturer provides a recommend use.

Warranty: This varies by manufacturer and varies widely. Check the warranty for each climbing helmet individually.

Care of your rock climbing helmet. Do not sit or step on it. When you finish climbing, wipe it down with a moist cloth inside and out. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry location with other climbing gear. Dry it by hanging it on a clothesline. Check it out before climbing, look for signs of wear or damage.

Rock Climbing Helmets:

CAMP USA Starlight Climbing Helmet. The Starlight rock climbing helmet is ultra light and low-profile. This is a good choice when low weight and small size is important. It is light weight, made with a thin polycarbonate shell and features a headlamp clip for hiking out at night or caving.


Rock Star Helmet. This basic climbing helmet is light and works very well for all levels of climbing ability. It has a strong polyethylene shell and adjustable nylon structure, and the chin strap padding to wear in the cold.


Petzl Elios Helmet. The Elios climbing helmet is lightweight and made with a polycarbonate shell and impact-absorbing form liner. It is well ventilated. Has clips for a headlamp. Is a good choice for sport and alpine climbing. The Elios can be adjusted with a single wheel in back. Petzl Meteor III Helmet. At a weight of just 8.3oz, this is one of the lightest climbing helmets available. It is very well ventilated with 16 vents which are cut into the ultralight plastic through the closed-cell foam shell to keep you cool on warm days. It has a ratchet strap that allows a fit and adjusts easily to any head. Petzl Ecrin Roc Helmet. The Ecrin adjusts to any head size. Adjusting wheels on the side of the shell improve adjustability. This is a mountaineering and climbing helmet that is well suitable for aggressive vertical activities. Has an adjustable suspension system with a versatile chinstrap adjustment. Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet. This climbing helmet is cool and fits comfortably. It is adjustable with a twist to make the circumference bigger or smaller to match your headwear. Its low-profile design keeps the dork factor down when you're at the crags, and may save you from getting your head stuck in an off-width one day. Speed Ski and Climbing Helmet. This climbing helmet is lightweight to give you the competitive edge. There are 22 vent holes to keep air flowing and the main structure is a polycarbonate shell. CAMP USA Pulse Ski and Climbing Helmet. This is rated as both a ski and a climbing helmet. Excellent choice as a dual purpose helmet for ski trips where access requires technical pitches on the ascent. This is the one helmet required for ski mountaineers. Petzl Elia Climbing Helmet - Women's Push yourself up routes with protection from falling stones and ice when you buckle up the women’s-specific Petzl Elia Climbing Helmet. The Omega headband system works with your ponytail and tightens easily with two lateral buttons. The Elia’s chinstrap and nape height are also easily adjusted for a custom fit that won’t budge. Mammut Skywalker 2 Climbing Helmet Mammut paid equal attention to comfort and safety when designing this skull bucket. A single-handed adjustment lets you loosen or tighten the fit around your head, and excellent ventilation fights the sweaties. A tough EPS inner shell adds loads of durability, lifespan, and, should you need it, shock absorption. Petzl Altios Climbing Helmet This adjustable climbing helmet features a mesh panel and expanded polystyrene liner to give it a weightless feeling. The space created by the line improves ventilation, and the durable ABS shell protects your melon from trundled or loose rock. It has an adjustable chin strap and adjustment wheel, and attach your Petzl Tikka or Zipka with the four headlamp clips. Grivel Salamander Helmet The Grivel Salamander Climbing Helmet seamlessly transitions from rock to ice and alpine realms. With shock absorbing foam and a vented design, the Salamander provides essential cranial protection for any day in the vertical. CAMP USA Armour Helmet The durable Armour climbing helmet is made to withstand multiple impacts, and is ideal for anything from rock to ice to alpine climbing. It is adjustable to allow fitting over a beanie. The Armour’s side vents also help keep your dome cool, and your headlamp easily clips to the Armour. CAMP USA Cosmic Helmet The CAMP Cosmic Climbing Helmet's unique attachment system eliminates uncomfortable buckles under your chin. Just clip the chin strap into the temple of this helmet and twist the easy-to-use knob for an ideal fit. The second ratchet knob on the back changes the circumference, making it easy to adjust.